| Summary: | Detecting sexually transmitted infectious agents in women by traditional methods is often
troublesome. This study aimed to investigate bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis agents by culture,
microscopic examination, and molecular methods in women with vaginal discharge complaints. A total
of 100 female patients aged 18-50 years, who applied to Dicle University Obstetrics and Gynecology
outpatient clinic with the complaint of vaginal discharge, were included in the study. Gram and Giemsa
staining, culture, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes were performed from
vaginal and endocervix samples taken with sterile swabs. Gram-stained specimens were evaluated with
the Nugent score; the presence of leukocytes with polymorph nuclei, Clue-Cells, and different shaped
bacteria. Culture-grown agents were identified at the species level by mass spectrometry. There was at
least one microbial agent in 63% of the samples included in the study. According to Nugent scores, 27
specimens were determined positive, and 39 specimens had intermediate values for bacterial
vaginosis(BV). Candida species (29%), Streptococcus agalactiae (9%), and Staphylococcus aureus
(3%) grew in culture while Mycoplasma hominis (23%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (13%), Trichomonas
vaginalis (9% ) and Chlamydia trachomatis (3% ) were detected by multiplex PCR. In our study, it was
determined that vaginal discharge could be caused by bacterial, fungal, and parasitic microorganisms
as well as bacterial vaginosis agents. It is very difficult, laborious, and necessary to determine dysbiosis
and infection in the vagina which has an important microbiome. Gram staining and culture methods are
insufficient for the detection of vaginal infection agents. Therefore, it would be beneficial to use
molecular methods in addition.
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